Saj seeks Ashes boost

SAJID Mahmood is planning to pick Peter Moores' brain as he bids to win an Ashes place this summer. The Lancashire paceman hasn't played a Test for England since the start of 2007, but has put himself back in the frame by impressing on the England Lions' tour of New Zealand following a solid season for his county last year.

SAJID Mahmood is planning to pick Peter Moores' brain as he bids to win an Ashes place this summer.

The Lancashire paceman hasn't played a Test for England since the start of 2007, but has put himself back in the frame by impressing on the England Lions' tour of New Zealand following a solid season for his county last year.

And although his Lions duties have meant Bolton-born Mahmood, who has also been in the runs against the Kiwis, hasn't yet worked with the new Lancashire head coach, he has revealed he has already had a long chat with Moores.

"Peter has been a coach at the highest level so he knows what they are looking for in that standard of cricket," said the 27-year-old.

"I've already spoken to him I came out here but I'll be sure to have a good chat with Peter when I get back to Lancashire to see what I need to be working on to get back into that England set-up.

"He is a man with a lot of ideas to give to the side so the squad are looking forward to working with him."

And Mahmood knows he needs a flying start to the new season with Lancashire if he is to add to his eight Test caps this summer.

"The only way I'm going to put my hand up is by starting the county season well, taking lots of wickets and finding some form nice and early," said Saj, who finishes the Lions tour today with a Twenty20 international against New Zealand A.

"Obviously there will be a new coach coming in with England, whoever it may be, and all I can really do is keep doing my job for Lancashire and keep knocking at the door.

"I've been in pretty good rhythm in New Zealand, I've felt good and it's obviously nice to get five weeks of cricket and plenty of overs under your belt before the season starts."